User:Evertiro/Evertiros LOTD SE

Evertiro's: Legacy of The Dragonborn Special Edition
A STEP Hosted guide based on Lexy's LOTD, created and maintained by Darth_mathias, DarkladyLexy and Nozzer66
With special recognition and thanks to Neovalen's Skyrim Revisited: Legendary Edition

Lexy's LOTD Forum   |   Lexy's Discord   |   Lexy's Trello   |   My Trello   |   Changelog   |   Last Update: 18:28:19 27 April 2024 (GMT)

Help support STEP! ALL donations are applied to operating expenses.

NOTE

This guide is built for Skyrim Special Edition.

This guide is best suited for Testers and Experienced Modders. It is strongly advised that new modders install everything the first time going through the guide without deviation.

WARNING

This guide is very demanding on hardware.

Lexy's guide is demanding in the first place; mine is designed for users who want to push the limits of both Skyrim and their PC. If you don't have a high-end gaming PC, you should probably start with Lexy's: Legend of The Dragonborn Special Edition.

Donate: You can make a one-time donation to the madness that is me and my guide by clicking here.
Lexy's PayPal: You can make a one-time donation to the madness that is Lexy and her guide by clicking here.
Lexy's Patreon: You can make donations to the continuing madness that is Lexy and her guide by clicking here.

Prerequisites Page: This is where you install Skyrim and a few required tools. View
Mod Installation Pages: This is where you install all of the mods that make the magic happen. View Part 1/View Part 2
Merge Page: This is where you find all the merge goodies. View
Finishing Line: So near and yet so far; this where you find steps you do near the end. View
Mod Configuration Menu Setup: This is where you boot the game. Yay! View
Troubleshooting: Some troubleshooting tips can be found here. View

Introduction

Welcome & A Little Chat

Welcome to Evertiro's: Legacy of The Dragonborn Special Edition. This is a fork of Lexy's Legacy of the Dragonborn Special Edition. It is designed to be a full guide, taking you from a completely vanilla Skyrim SE experience to a fully modified game in all facets.

This guide is currently a Beta version, best suited for Testers and Experienced Modders. If you are looking for an easier beginner's guide to learn the basics of Mod Organizer 2 check out the TUCOGUIDE by ponurymazepa.

This guide will take time to install and will require quite a bit of space (approx 150GB, not including Skyrim itself, mine will be even larger). This guide also involves some more advanced modding concepts. I definitely suggest reading the full guide first and acquainting yourself with some of the tools you'll be using. Remember, the final destination is to play the game and enjoy it. Expect it to take several sessions to complete the entire guide.

This is not your father's Skyrim, kids, be warned. It is more challenging, particularly until around level 30. Once you reach level 30, it levels off until about level 50 and then increases in difficulty again. Unless you are an extremely experienced solo player, followers will be required. Even some experienced solo players have adopted a follower or two after playing this mod list. You will want a few followers anyway to carry all that LOTD Museum stuff around.

You must pay attention and follow the instructions to the letter. 2% of errors are a rare mistake made by Lexy or Evertiro (quickly corrected). The other 98% of the issues are user error. It is almost imperative that you have at least have some knowledge of MO2, LOOT, FNIS, CK conversion, xEdit, zMerge, Wrye Bash, Mator Smash, zEdit, xLodGen, and DynDOLOD before starting the guide. You are free to use the mod list as a base and add or remove mods to your liking, but it is strongly advised that you install the complete guide and playtest to ensure stability before adding or removing anything.

This guide is meticulously maintained and frequently updated. It is very stable and is similar in scope to Requiem since the recent OMEGA and Experience mod inclusions. If you finish the guide and the game doesn't work, you did something wrong.

Lexy's guide has a Discord Community that has an unwritten rule of tolerance towards those new to modding (within reason), but self-help is preferred and acknowledged. The Discord is friendly, helpful, and has a knowledgeable staff. I can be contacted on Lexy's Discord Community by messaging @evertiro.

As this guide is frequently updated, you will, at some point, have to stop modding and just play or you will be caught up in a never-ending loop of restarting new characters.

With that said: It's time to get into the wonderful world of Skyrim modding. We hope you'll find it pleasant.

Evertiro's System

Windows OS	Windows 10 Pro
CPU	Intel Core i7 7700K @ 4.2 GHz
Motherboard	MSI MAG Z390 Tomahawk
System RAM	Corsair Vengence Pro 32GB (4x8GB) @2666MHz
GPU	GeForce RTX 2080 Ti 11GB VRAM
OS Hard Drive	WD Blue 2TB
Games Hard Drive	WD Blue M.2 SATA 1TB
Data/Backup Hard Drive	Seagate STEB8000100 8TB
Data/Backup Hard Drive	Seagate STEB10000400 10TB

Legend

Each mod is preceded by one (or more) of these tags for easier management of the guide:

<img src="https://img.shields.io/badge/-CORE-126F6F.svg" style="vertical-align: middle; height: 1.2rem" />	The mod is a core part of the guide and is required to be installed.
<img src="https://img.shields.io/badge/-TOOL-666.svg" style="vertical-align: middle; height: 1.2rem" />	A modding utility to be used during your modding adventure.
<img src="https://img.shields.io/badge/-OPTIONAL-CC3E99.svg" style="vertical-align: middle; height: 1.2rem" />	This mod is optional, it can be installed based on user preference.
<img src="https://img.shields.io/badge/-PATCH%20CENTRAL-434343.svg" style="vertical-align: middle; height: 1.2rem" />	Custom patches downloaded from the Lexy's LOTD Nexus page.
<img src="https://img.shields.io/badge/-BSA%20EXTRACTED-32A5A0.svg" style="vertical-align: middle; height: 1.2rem" />	Mods whose BSA(s) need extracting using Mod Organizer 2's BSA extractor.
<img src="https://img.shields.io/badge/-CLASSIC-005500.svg" style="vertical-align: middle; height: 1.2rem" />	Mods that are downloaded from classic Skyrim.
<img src="https://img.shields.io/badge/-CONVERT-D00.svg" style="vertical-align: middle; height: 1.2rem" />	Mods whose ESPs need to be converted to form 44 in the SSE Creation Kit.
<img src="https://img.shields.io/badge/-CAO-228D00.svg" style="vertical-align: middle; height: 1.2rem" />	Mods that need to be processed by Cathedral Assets Optimizer.
<img src="https://img.shields.io/badge/-MERGED-800080.svg" style="vertical-align: middle; height: 1.2rem" />	Mods whose ESPs will be merged later to reduce the overall ESP count.
<img src="https://img.shields.io/badge/-ESL-0000FF.svg" style="vertical-align: middle; height: 1.2rem" />	Mods whose ESPs can be safely flagged as an ESL to help further reduce the overall plugin count.

Mod Installation Advice

The best advice when following this guide is to follow the guide to the letter, and don't run LOOT until you reach the Finishing Line. This will save confusion over numerous errors that will be fixed by the end.

When installing mods, it is recommended to do the following:

Main Files - If a mod page has more then one main file, install each as a separate mod.
Main Files + Updates - Install as one mod. (e.g Merge together in Mod Organizer 2)
Main Files + Hotfixes - Install as one mod. (e.g Merge together in Mod Organizer 2)
Optional Files - Install as a separate mod in MO2.
Miscellaneous Files - Install as a separate mod in MO2.
Patches - Install as a separate mod in MO2.

Note for <img src="https://img.shields.io/badge/NOTE-Special%20Instructions-f0f.svg" style="vertical-align: middle; height: 1.2rem" /> sections.

Throughout installing this guide, you may find instructions to remove file(s) from a mod with a * in the path; for example, \helgen reborn.esp\*.tga. This means delete all files in this folder matching the format specified.

A Note On Extracting BSA Files

This guide currently recommends only extracting BSA files if they are distributed with a dummy plugin, or are part of a merge.

To extract a BSA we will be utilizing Mod Organizer 2's inbuilt BSA Extractor plugin:

1. Click the spanner and screwdriver icon in the top-left corner of Mod Organizer.
2. Click the 'Plugins' tab.
3. Locate [BSA Extractor].
4. In the right side panel double click [Enabled] and set to "True".
5. Install the mod as normal. During installation you will be prompted to extract the BSA, click [Yes].

A Note On Converting Old Plugins

Throughout the guide, there are a few plugins using the old form 43. These plugins must be converted in the Creation Kit (CK) to work in this guide.

Mods that require converting will show this tag: <img src="https://img.shields.io/badge/-CONVERT-D00.svg" style="vertical-align: middle; height: 1.2rem" />

When converting mods through the Creation Kit, some will have masters that are ESPs but the CK requires these to be ESMs or flagged as ESMs. This can be achieved through a process called 'esmifiying' and is done using Wrye Bash. Therefore:

Scenario A - Plugin doesn't have any masters that need 'esmifying'

Scenario B - Plugin does have masters that need 'esmifying'

Step 1 - Scenario A: (Use this method if you have SSE Creation Kit Fixes installed)

1. Ensure the Overwrite folder is empty.
2. Run the [Creation Kit] from the executable drop-down menu.
3. Select the [File] menu and choose [Data...].
4. Find the plugin* to be converted and select [Set as Active File]. *A quick way to do this is to type the first letter of the ESP's name until it appears in the window.
5. Note the Parent Masters listed and ensure they are checked (double-click the plugin listing to check it).
6. Click [OK] and allow the CK to load.
7. Once complete, save the plug (icon on toolbar or [File] > [Save]).
8. Close the CK and allow it to sit for a moment.
9. More often than not, the CK will hang when closing. Click the close button a few times and Windows will allow you to force close it.
10. The newly saved plugin will be automatically saved over the older non-converted version.

Step 1 - Scenario B: (Use this method if you DON'T have SSE Creation Kit Fixes installed)

1. Run [Wrye Bash] from the executable drop-down menu.
2. Right click on the esp you wish to esmify.
3. From the menu click [esmify self].
4. Exit Wrye Bash.
5. Close and Reopen Mod Organizer 2 to refresh it.
6. Now follow instructions for Scenario A.
7. Once the esp is converted you will need to 'espifiy' the master through Wrye Bash.
8. Open Wrye Bash.
9. Right click on the esp you esmifyed above.
10. From the menu you should notice [espifiy self]; left click on it.
11. Exit Wrye Bash.
12. Close and Reopen Mod Organizer 2 to refresh it.

Step 2: Verifying the plugin with xEdit

1. Run [SSEEdit] from the executable drop-down menu.
2. Right-click in the plugin pane and choose [Select None].
3. Double-click on the new plug saved from the steps above and allow xEdit to load until the log says, "Background Loader: finished".
4. Right-click on the last plugin in the left pane (it should be the new plugin), and select [Check for Errors].
5. The check should come back clean reading, "All done!". If there are errors, the user will have to take steps to correct them before continuing to the next step.
6. Right-click on the plugin again and choose, [Sort Masters].
7. The last step is to clean the plugin as we did for the DLCs above.
8. Close xEdit and be sure the plugin is checked in the saving prompt.

A Note On Cathedral Assets Optimizer

Throughout the guide, there are a few mods that will be downloaded for classic Skyrim containing meshes using an older format. These mods must be processed using Cathedral Assets Optimizer to work with Skyrim Special Edition.

Mods that require converting will show this tag: <img src="https://img.shields.io/badge/-CAO-228D00.svg" style="vertical-align: middle; height: 1.2rem" />

General Use

1. Launch CAO outside of your mod manager (make sure your Mod Manager is closed).
2. Click [Open Directory] and navigate to the folder requiring conversion or optimization then select the following Options:
   • BSA: Leave unchecked unless otherwise instructed.
   • Textures: Select "Full Optimization".
   • Meshes: Select "Necessary Optimization".
3. Select [Run].

Check here for a sexy screenshot.

Off To The Races

Prerequisites

Before we start modding Skyrim SE we need to perform a few steps to set up the game and some tools we will need during this adventure.

Start Here --> Prerequisites Page

Mod Installation

Due to... technical limitations... mod installation is split up into two parts.

Go To Part 1 --> Mod Installation Page - Part 1

Go To Part 2 --> Mod Installation Page - Part 2

Backup

To make a backup: navigate to the Mod Organizer folder on your HDD > right-click on the mods folder > click "Add to Archive..." under the 7-Zip sub-menu.

Note: There isn't much difference in the compression settings as far as the resulting file-size goes, so use the fastest setting. The backup will be around half the total size of the files in that folder.

Plugin Merges

Not that installation is done, we need to merge a few things using zMerge. This reduces the final plugin count and allows up a little room for further expansion.

Almost There! --> Merge Page

Finishing Line

Your hard work is about to pay off! Assuming you followed instructions, this is the last step before you can start your shiny new Skyrim experience!

Last Steps --> Finishing Line

MCM Configuration

Ok, I lied... kind of. This is actually the last step, but you'll have to do it in game!

This One's In Game --> Mod Configuration Menu Setup

Troubleshooting

Even if you think you did everything right, there's a decent chance that something went wrong... especially in a guide this complex, and even more likely if it's your first time running it. Beyond the obvious support afforded through Lexy's LOTD Forum and Discord, a few common troubleshooting steps are outlined on the troubleshooting page.

Get Help Here --> Troubleshooting

Credits:

Thanks to the following people who have helped with this guide

DarkladyLexy and her husband Darth Mathias for their work in building the original guide.
Everyone who has tested or helped me along the way, or used this guide.

By proxy, thanks to the following people who helped with the creation of Lexy's guide

Neovalen without whom there would be no SRLE in the first place.
TechAngel for his guide.
Members of Lexy's development team: Nozzer, Berndaroy, jdsmith2816, Sthaagg, mtreis86, dreadflopp, Hazado, Knight Flier, KorruptkSwade, BuddyKidd,
Skeleton Jack, Tzefira and Nathan.
Razorsedge877 for laying some of the groundwork.
Michael of Gamerpoets for his wonderful and numerous tutorial videos.
Cal of Dirty Weasel Media for his numerous videos.
Rasafim for the updated SSE Fixes DLL Plugin.
SirJesto - For help in learning how to resolve conflicts.
Decopauge123 - For all his help and continuing support.
Sm0kem - For setting up and maintaining the Discord server.
Diana_TES_GotH - For all her help and advice. She also is working on a Morroblivion Overhaul. 
Malc - For updating The Great Equalizer Script for use with Morrowloot Ultimate.
PheonixSunstar001 for his video series on how to install this guide. Check him out here
ponurymazepa for his helpful videos check out his guide for MO2 beginners.
Pickysaurus for help with wiki formatting.